Appropriate for a 4-year old at 28 lbs? Fits in '99 Honda Accord?I know the minimum requirements for this car seat is: at least 2 years old and 25 lbs, but just curious if anyone knows if there are any disadvantages to using this vs. a regular convertible carseat (eg. Britax Marathon/Roundabout/Advocate/Pavilion)? I have a petite 4-year old who is roughly 28 lbs and 37", which would be on the lower end of the recommended height/weight. Or would the Marathon/et al. provide better protection in the event of accidents?Right now, my daughter's Roundabout is in need of replacement (~7 years old), and I'm trying to decide if I should just purchase another convertible car seat (the rear-facing and forward-facing type) that has a weight limit of up to 65-70 lbs, or replace it with something like this convertible/booster type? Anyone have thoughts on this? Appropriate for a 4-year old at 28 lbs? Fits in '99 Honda Accord?I know the minimum requirements for this car seat is: at least 2 years old and 25 lbs, but just curious if anyone... » Read More Appropriate for a 4-year old at 28 lbs? Fits in '99 Honda Accord?I know the minimum requirements for this car seat is: at least 2 years old and 25 lbs, but just curious if anyone knows if there are any disadvantages to using this vs. a regular convertible carseat (eg. Britax Marathon/Roundabout/Advocate/Pavilion)? I have a petite 4-year old who is roughly 28 lbs and 37", which would be on the lower end of the recommended height/weight. Or would the Marathon/et al. provide better protection in the event of accidents?Right now, my daughter's Roundabout is in need of replacement (~7 years old), and I'm trying to decide if I should just purchase another convertible car seat (the rear-facing and forward-facing type) that has a weight limit of up to 65-70 lbs, or replace it with something like this convertible/booster type? Anyone have thoughts on this? « Show Less
33666
She will grow and now meets the criteria of the Britax, so replace the old one with a new one that she will grow into. My opinion.
33667
the only problem with the marathon for your child would be the height (I think 40in is the max, or when their head is above the cushion); the Fronteir has the adjustable head rest that can go low and then be bumped up as they grow---with side panels to reduce head movement
1074637
Like another poster said, it varies by state law, and I've found that the laws vary a lot, for example, a booster is OK from age 4 in FL (height and weight are only provided as guidelines and not requirements). Although I purchased this booster for my then 5 1/2 year-old, I took her out of a 5-point harness only because I needed something that would fit in my husband's truck. Now at 6 1/2, she's still in a 5-point harness in my van, and will remain in a 5-point harness until she refuses to sit in it anymore :). Her little sis (3 1/2) is in a 5-point harness in both vehicles and still in a convertible car seat in my van. Like another poster said, it varies by state law, and I've found that the laws vary a lot, for example, a booster is OK from age 4 in FL (height and weight are only provided as guidelines and not requirements). Although I purchased this booster for my then 5 1/2 year-old, I took her out of a 5-point harness only because I needed something that would fit in my husband's truck. Now at 6 1/2, she's still in a 5-point harness in my van, and will remain in a 5-point harness until she refuses to sit in it anymore :). Her little sis (3 1/2) is in a 5-point harness in both vehicles and still in a... » Read More Like another poster said, it varies by state law, and I've found that the laws vary a lot, for example, a booster is OK from age 4 in FL (height and weight are only provided as guidelines and not requirements). Although I purchased this booster for my then 5 1/2 year-old, I took her out of a 5-point harness only because I needed something that would fit in my husband's truck. Now at 6 1/2, she's still in a 5-point harness in my van, and will remain in a 5-point harness until she refuses to sit in it anymore :). Her little sis (3 1/2) is in a 5-point harness in both vehicles and still in a convertible car seat in my van. « Show Less
1421069
Federal (CDC) guidelines recommend that babies remain in the rear-facing position until the age of two or until they reach the manufacturer's specified upper height/weight limit for a particular seat in the rear-facing position. BRITAX description of the Advocate G4 Convertible - The BRITAX ADVOCATE convertible car seat accommodates children rear facing from 5 to 40 lbs (2,3 to18 kg) and forward facing from 20 to 65 lbs (91, up to 29,4 kg).
1175452
We have a roundabout 50 which we bought when our son was 1 year old and outgrew the carrier. I would not recommend it for a newborn, even though its rated for 5 lbs and up. The lowest shoulder strap level seems like it would be too high for newbornw and it just doesn't snuggle around a tiny baby well. Plus its harder to install it reclined all the way at 45 degrees. I believe the Roundabout 55 comes with an insert to better position a newborn, so it might work ok. There are probably better convertible seats that provide a better fit for newborns, or just use the infant carrier style and sell if once your baby outgrows it. We have a roundabout 50 which we bought when our son was 1 year old and outgrew the carrier. I would not recommend it for a newborn, even though its rated for 5 lbs and up. The lowest shoulder strap level seems like it would be too high for newbornw and it just doesn't snuggle around a tiny baby well. Plus its harder to install it reclined all the way at 45 degrees. I believe the Roundabout 55 comes with an insert to better position a newborn, so it might work ok. There are probably better convertible seats that provide a better fit for newborns, or just use the infant carrier style and... » Read More We have a roundabout 50 which we bought when our son was 1 year old and outgrew the carrier. I would not recommend it for a newborn, even though its rated for 5 lbs and up. The lowest shoulder strap level seems like it would be too high for newbornw and it just doesn't snuggle around a tiny baby well. Plus its harder to install it reclined all the way at 45 degrees. I believe the Roundabout 55 comes with an insert to better position a newborn, so it might work ok. There are probably better convertible seats that provide a better fit for newborns, or just use the infant carrier style and sell if once your baby outgrows it. « Show Less
1213921
My children are 2 and 4. My 4 year old is 42 inches and about 50 pounds. He loves it and fits great. My youngest is about 36 inches and roughly 40 lbs. fits great as well...obviously. Great buy! Battery in this last a long time to. Minimal 2 days on a lot of riding.
874186
I think you will find that the vest is too big for her. My 3 year old is 33 pounds and 39" tall. It's a little big on him and I will not use it at this point for him but think in 6 months it would be ok for occasional use. Out of curiosity, I tried it on my 64 pound, 52" tall 7.5y. Although he's passed the weight limit (I wouldn't use it for him), it still fit. I would not attempt it on a child so young unless you would otherwise go without a car seat as I'm sure it's better than nothing. I suggest the Diono Radian, it's a great foldable car seat with high safety ratings. Get the simple one without all the extra supports, we use that for travel for our 3y old. Diono Radian R100 Convertible Car Seat, Stone I think you will find that the vest is too big for her. My 3 year old is 33 pounds and 39" tall. It's a little big on him and I will not use it at this point for him but think in 6 months it would be ok for occasional use. Out of curiosity, I tried it on my 64 pound, 52" tall 7.5y. Although he's passed the weight limit (I wouldn't use it for him), it still fit. I would not attempt it on a child so young unless you would otherwise go without a car seat as I'm sure it's better than nothing. I suggest the Diono Radian, it's a great foldable car seat with high safety ratings. Get the... » Read More I think you will find that the vest is too big for her. My 3 year old is 33 pounds and 39" tall. It's a little big on him and I will not use it at this point for him but think in 6 months it would be ok for occasional use. Out of curiosity, I tried it on my 64 pound, 52" tall 7.5y. Although he's passed the weight limit (I wouldn't use it for him), it still fit. I would not attempt it on a child so young unless you would otherwise go without a car seat as I'm sure it's better than nothing. I suggest the Diono Radian, it's a great foldable car seat with high safety ratings. Get the simple one without all the extra supports, we use that for travel for our 3y old. Diono Radian R100 Convertible Car Seat, Stone « Show Less
1549913
I work as a family nurse practitioner... Plus have 2 kids, one who is old enough to use this booster (which we love). Safest recommendation-- wait until 40lbs to use this booster, even though your kiddo is technically tall enough to use it. Frustrating, I know. But the 3-point carseat is safest until they reach 40lbs.
1699156
I have purchased this car for children between the ages of 2-5 yrs. I am not sure why this one says 2 yrs. as opposed to 3 yrs. However, having purchased this exact one and several others I can tell you that it is the same size as one listing for use by 3 yrs and up. They support upwards of 200 lbs. This type of car is a big hit and I do recommend purchasing it. A 2 yr. old should be able to handle maneuvering the car. Like with anything he / she will get better with practice and experience. There are other brands but I can only attest to the quality of the plasma brand being that I own several and have yet to have a problem with any of them. I have purchased this car for children between the ages of 2-5 yrs. I am not sure why this one says 2 yrs. as opposed to 3 yrs. However, having purchased this exact one and several others I can tell you that it is the same size as one listing for use by 3 yrs and up. They support upwards of 200 lbs. This type of car is a big hit and I do recommend purchasing it. A 2 yr. old should be able to handle maneuvering the car. Like with anything he / she will get better with practice and experience. There are other brands but I can only attest to the quality of the plasma brand being that I own... » Read More I have purchased this car for children between the ages of 2-5 yrs. I am not sure why this one says 2 yrs. as opposed to 3 yrs. However, having purchased this exact one and several others I can tell you that it is the same size as one listing for use by 3 yrs and up. They support upwards of 200 lbs. This type of car is a big hit and I do recommend purchasing it. A 2 yr. old should be able to handle maneuvering the car. Like with anything he / she will get better with practice and experience. There are other brands but I can only attest to the quality of the plasma brand being that I own several and have yet to have a problem with any of them. « Show Less
40349
My daughter is 2 1/2 and received this for her second birthday. She just now is able to ride on her own. I think she will use it for years because the seat can be adjusted. Do I do think it would be good for a 3 or 4 year old but you may not be able to use it for all that long. I hope that helps!
1641080
I got this seat for my son at 1 years old. He was 23 lbs and 32" your child is at min weight but he may not be ready to sit in this seat. In my opinion he's very young. Plus I think he still needs to face the back of the car. If you like this kind of seat I would get one with the recliner feature. So he sits a bit craddled. I would do a bit more research.
2105374
The weight is a minimum of 40 lbs. What I would personally be more concerned about is the tot being fidgety and getting OUT of the belt. I started mine when my daughter was 3.5, and we had to constantly be on top of her about sitting back, keeping her feet down, not stretching the seatbelt out. I would personally wait, and make sure that the child is old enough to sit still with out being told every ten minutes, otherwise you would be having to sit directly next to him/her. The size is great for us, we have it smooshed in between a baby seat and a booster in the back seat of a PRIUS, but it might be unstable for such a little one with nothing on one or both sides.
1087248
The more important thing is the stage your child is at. Can they sit up on their own, and are they under the recommended weight limit per seat (I think it was 35 pounds but not 100% sure)? My twin boys started using this at about 5.5 months. So it is more making sure your child is ready and about to sit in a regular seat (though it can recline as well); they should be able to support their own head/neck and sit without much help before this.
981258
Donna..I bought this for my granddaughter for Christmas. She just turned 4 in January (she's a little thing) her parents put the seat down for her so she could pedal easier. I'm not much help..she loved it and it will work for her for a couple of years I think.
663169
I think height ids great for this car. My daughter enjoys it, she is 2, but a little too short. My friend who is in her late 20's fit into this car, I'm sure your 5 yr old will be just fine.
2215406
Hi, they have updated the carseat. First, the G4 seats include an infant positioning pillow which must be used up to 22 pounds and then removed while in the 3G you removed it once the child could sit unsupported. Second, the harness covers where redesigned and third, they removed the "70" out of the name due to less weight capacity. It now supports 65pounds while the 3G 70...Hope this helps. Whether you decide to buy the 3G or the 4G you won't regret it. Britax, of what I researched is one of the best carseats. I am very pleased with my purchase and for my second child I will not hesitate on buying Pavilion once again.Good Luck... Hi, they have updated the carseat. First, the G4 seats include an infant positioning pillow which must be used up to 22 pounds and then removed while in the 3G you removed it once the child could sit unsupported. Second, the harness covers where redesigned and third, they removed the "70" out of the name due to less weight capacity. It now supports 65pounds while the 3G 70...Hope this helps. Whether you decide to buy the 3G or the 4G you won't regret it. Britax, of what I researched is one of the best carseats. I am very pleased with my purchase and for my second child I... » Read More Hi, they have updated the carseat. First, the G4 seats include an infant positioning pillow which must be used up to 22 pounds and then removed while in the 3G you removed it once the child could sit unsupported. Second, the harness covers where redesigned and third, they removed the "70" out of the name due to less weight capacity. It now supports 65pounds while the 3G 70...Hope this helps. Whether you decide to buy the 3G or the 4G you won't regret it. Britax, of what I researched is one of the best carseats. I am very pleased with my purchase and for my second child I will not hesitate on buying Pavilion once again.Good Luck... « Show Less
444597
I have used a convertible seat for my first and also will be using one for my second on the way. I feel that with a convertible seat is safer because after proper installation the seat becames 'part of car' where as with the removable infant carrier car seats after removing the seat many times this may compromise the integrity of the clips that hold that seat to the base, over time. Also, the infant carriers are very uncomfortable to hold on your arm when the baby starts weighing more then 10 lbs. You can use a convertible seat from 5 - 35 lbs a much wider range than up to 22 lbs. for the infant carrier seats, therefore you get more for your money. I have used a convertible seat for my first and also will be using one for my second on the way. I feel that with a convertible seat is safer because after proper installation the seat becames 'part of car' where as with the removable infant carrier car seats after removing the seat many times this may compromise the integrity of the clips that hold that seat to the base, over time. Also, the infant carriers are very uncomfortable to hold on your arm when the baby starts weighing more then 10 lbs. You can use a convertible seat from 5 - 35 lbs a much wider range than up to 22 lbs. for the... » Read More I have used a convertible seat for my first and also will be using one for my second on the way. I feel that with a convertible seat is safer because after proper installation the seat becames 'part of car' where as with the removable infant carrier car seats after removing the seat many times this may compromise the integrity of the clips that hold that seat to the base, over time. Also, the infant carriers are very uncomfortable to hold on your arm when the baby starts weighing more then 10 lbs. You can use a convertible seat from 5 - 35 lbs a much wider range than up to 22 lbs. for the infant carrier seats, therefore you get more for your money. « Show Less
2117266
We bought both this seat and the Britax Boulevard 70-3G. Both are great chairs. The Recaro's seat is not deep enough and makes it look uncomfortable but my kid doesn't complain. It has a really high back which makes it uncomfortable to get her in and out in our small car. If you're talking about a small infant, the seat does not come with an infant positioner that would make it more comfortable and more secure. The side protection wings also don't go all the way down for a tiny one. In my honest opinion, I think an infant car seat is better since it is built specifically for them. This one is much better for smaller toddlers. Pros: lots of venting so you don't have to worry about over heating. SUPER safe, steel frame. Cons: difficult install. Tall back even in a larger car. No infant positioner. I did LOVE my Graco Snugfit 35. They now make an even nicer Snugfit 40 that should last even longer than my 35. If I had to do it again, I would have gotten the Sung Fit 40 so that my 19 month old could still fit in it (35in height max) and then bought my Britax for ease of use again. I know I may have over burdened you with my answer. The seat is better for a toddler. But I wouldn't buy it again.